Stax Trade Centres has commenced the second phase of expansion at its Birmingham depot adding a further 2,300sq ft to the existing footprint.
The space will house a purpose-built kitchen and bathroom showroom, identified as a major growth area for the wholesaler. The works will also include a refurbishment of the cafeteria and reception area.

The first phase of the expansion, the addition of 5,000sq ft of storage space, was completed last year. The third and final phase, a refurbishment of all toilets and offices, should take place towards the end of this year.

Stax operations director Nigel Wright said the current work should be completed this month with "minimal upheaval for customers".

June and July also saw some major fundraising at the wholesaler with a giant World Cup spot the ball game. For £1, customers could enter the competition to win one of four Sharp 22-inch HD DVD combi TVs. The result was £3,000 raised for industry charity The Rainy Day Trust, taking the Stax total for the charity to well over £7,000 for the year.

Stax joint md David Hibbert said: "The Rainy Day Trust is a charity that cares for past employees and families in the hardware, housewares, DIY, builders merchant and garden supply industries who have fallen on hard times. The cause is very dear to our hearts at Stax so we're very pleased to have raised such a significant amount. I'd like to thank all our customers who have given so generously and also our sponsors of the Everyone's A Winner promotion - Ronseal, Sharp, Johnstone's Paint and Karcher - who have made this possible."